The development of language is complex and is unique from country to country and child to child. There is a range of what is acceptable for a child, which are called speech developmental milestones.

​

Sounds that have m, p, b usually occur early by ages 1-2. By age 1 they should start saying their first words. Later on, by ages 2-3, they start developing other sounds such as k, g, f, t, d.  This progresses to more complex sounds such as s, sh, ch, j, ng, th.

By age 8 they are supposed to have all sounds.

​

Children can alter sounds by:

• Omissions/Deletions: sounds are omitted or deleted eg poon for spoon

• Substitution: sounds are substituted eg saying ‘thing’ for ‘sing’

• Additions: extra sounds are added

• Contraction: Sounds are fused together

• Distortion: sounds are altered or changed

​​

Children may develop emotional and behavioral symptoms such as:

• Frustration, depression, anxiety

• Acting out: aggression, misbehaving, unusual behavior